There are reasons, however, to believe that the Vandals, today's visitor to Husky Stadium, are one of the better bad teams in the nation.

Idaho (1-3) outgained Oregon 404 yards to 403 and held a 17:40 advantage in time of possession, numbers that are particularly impressive if one ignores the 58-21 final score.

In fact, statistically, at least on offense, Idaho isn't a trifle. The Vandals convert nearly 50 percent of their third-down plays, are averaging 404.5 yards per game and have a 4 1/2-minute advantage in time of possession.

"They are an impressive team," Neuheisel said. "Look at the numbers they posted against pretty darn good schools."

Unfortunately, the Vandals have had to play defense, too, which they do with typically rotten results, particularly against the pass.

The Huskies have been fairly successful throwing the ball this year. Their 367 yards per game through the air ranks a respectable third in the nation, while Idaho's pass defense ranks a few notches down at 115th (out of 117).

Neuheisel said he wanted to run more option and throw deep more frequently this weekend. Count on a bit more of the latter.

Idaho, which finished 1-10 last year and lost to the UW 53-3, is coming off an impressive comeback victory over San Diego State, a team that played competitive games with Fresno State, Colorado and Arizona State. The Aztecs led 24-10, before Idaho exploded offensively and won 48-38.

"In watching the film, they look much improved," Neuheisel said. "It better have caught our team's attention. We can't use any of those points from last year."

The Vandals run a ball-control passing attack, emphasizing short drops and quick-hitting routes. Quarterback Brian Lindgren, a Walla Walla native who came off the bench last year against the Huskies, has piled up some impressive numbers.

He is completing 66 percent of his throws and averaging 273 yards per game, with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions.

While blitzing a West Coast offense can be frustratingly unproductive, Oregon and Washington State combined for 10 sacks against the Vandals.

Idaho will be the final of three lackluster non-conference games before the UW opens its Pac-10 schedule Oct. 5 with a visit from resurgent California.

While he was willing to pan Oregon, Neuheisel wasn't willing to entertain questions about what figures to be a rugged conference race.

"I'm not thinking about anybody but Idaho," he said. "I anticipate a very tough game."